Albany, N.Y. – The New York State Senate on Monday approved legislation capping the growth of school property taxes at 2 percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer voted for the act, Senate bill 2706.

“One of the reasons residents continue to leave New York State is high property taxes,” said Senator Ranzenhofer. “Homeowners are sick and tired of paying the highest property taxes in the nation – especially after the STAR rebate check program was eliminated. A cap prevents property taxes levied by school districts and towns from sky-rocketing at current levels.”

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer congratulates Dr. Nirav R. Shah after being unanimously confirmed by the New York State Senate on Monday, January 24 as Commissioner of the Department of Health. Dr. Shah was valedictorian of the Williamsville East High School Class of 1990. Governor Andrew Cuomo nominated Dr. Shah for the post on January 3.

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer - joined by County Executive Chris Collins, Assemblywoman Jane Corwin and Assemblyman Kevin Smardz - announces the re-introduction of legislation in the State Legislature to allow counties to opt-out of Medicaid programs not mandated by the Federal government.

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer explains Senate Bill No. 1892, which would enact a State spending cap at two percent or 120 percent of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. If a spending cap had been implemented for the previous ten years, New York would spend $30 billion less next year. Enacting a spending cap now would force the State to cut spending by $9 billion next year. The legislation, introduced and sponsored by Senator Ranzenhofer, passed the State Senate on January 19.

Albany, NY - The New York State Senate has passed a constitutional amendment to enact a cap on state spending at two percent or 120 percent of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. Under the legislation, the state spending cap for 2011-12 would be 1.92 percent.

“The spending cap is needed more than ever because of the $11 billion deficit caused by years of overtaxing and overspending,” said Senator Ranzenhofer. “The unchecked growth in spending has resulted in New York having the highest tax burden in the nation. Thirty states currently have some kind of a spending cap. New York must enact a cap now to force fiscal responsibility and enable us to reduce taxes.”

The Western New York Legislative Delegation has made the University at Buffalo’s 2020 strategic plan for excellence and growth a top priority for 2011, reaffirming its belief that UB’s future and Western New York’s future are closely linked.

Today the delegation spoke with one voice in demonstrating its unified feelings about UB 2020. The bipartisan group of senators and assemblymembers announced they are sending a joint letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo asking that the chief elements of the UB 2020 plan be incorporated into the executive budget proposal for the 2011-2012 state fiscal year, which is expected to be released on February 1, 2011. A copy of the letter is attached.

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer will serve as Chairman of the New York State Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions. Senator Ranzenhofer will also serve on the Banks, Judiciary, Agriculture, Education, Energy and Racing, Gaming and Wagering committees.

Senator Ranzenhofer is eager to begin working to reduce State spending and restore trust in State government as Chairman of the Corporations Committee.

Over 100 Clarence High School seniors in Government and Public Affairs classes heard from State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer in January. Senator Ranzenhofer talked about representing the 61st Senate District in the State Legislature and answered questions from students on issues such as funding for education, UB2020 legislation and ways to cut the State budget deficit.

Albany, NY – State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has issued the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address:

“Today, the Governor’s State of the State address echoed opinions of so many New Yorkers, including myself – especially for the State to close the budget deficit, impose a property-tax cap, and create private-sector jobs.

I have been an outspoken advocate and introduced legislation on many of these issues during my first term and I am pleased to hear the Governor make them his major legislative priorities. More importantly, New Yorkers have been demanding property tax relief and a smaller and leaner State government over the past few years as well.

On Saturday, August 7, Senator Ranzenhofer sponsored a Car Seat Safety Check at Wolcott Street School in LeRoy. Special thanks to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of LeRoy Police Department.

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced a Free Car Seat Safety Check on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to Noon at Wolcott Street School, 2-6 Trigon Park in LeRoy.

“Every parent knows that installing a car seat can be difficult. This event will give parents information on how to properly install car seats as well as ensure the car seat they have is safely secured,” said Senator Ranzenhofer.

The program is free and open to the public. No appointment or RSVP is necessary. Water and pop will be served. For more information, please contact Senator Ranzenhofer’s District Office at (716) 631-8695.